MARYSVILLE—The City of Marysville is partnering up with the Keep Dreams Alive Foundation and the Mayor’s Diversity Committee to bring together its first ever Sabor Latino Dance at the Marysville Opera House this Saturday, September 28.
“Marysville has more than 10,000 residents of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, and at least 7 percent of our residents speak Spanish as their primary language. It’s important that the city recognize and celebrate the diverse histories and cultures of our population. The Sabor Latino Dance is a way of celebrating and honoring our Hispanic community and offering an opportunity for all residents to get to know each other better,” said Dana Barstad, Cultural Arts Supervisor for the City of Marysville.
The event is free of charge and open to all, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month which runs from September 15 through October 15. The celebration honors the history, culture, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The month begins on September 15 because it’s the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries.
The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month in 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This theme highlights people who have led the way in fields such as education, science, business, the arts, and social justice.
At Saturday’s event, guests can expect disco-inspired lights, a live DJ playing salsa, bachata, merengue, and cumbia, and a dance floor open to varying skill levels, experiences, and ages.
A food truck will also be onsite featuring the delicious and traditional food of Tacos Penachos, a Lynnwood-based Mexican restaurant serving traditional dishes with fresh ingredients. The Keep Dreams Alice Foundation will also be serving refreshing aguas frescas to keep dancers hydrated in addition to an assortment of snacks.
The idea was coined by Daphne Powell, Executive Director at the Keep Dreams Alice Foundation and local educator, who approached the city sharing that local Hispanic members of the community were in need of a local dance where they can socialize while having fun.
The Keep Dreams Alice Foundation was founded in July 2020, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic limiting crucial educational and wellness resources.
The nonprofit serves residents of Snohomish County with the purpose of promoting, educating, and uplifting communities, specifically the Spanish-speaking population.
The City of Marysville recently held a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Marysville Opera House on Thursday, September 12, hosted by the Tulalip Tribes which hosted the same DJ and had approximately 200 attendees. The City of Marysville hopes to have a similar turnout this Saturday.
The City will also be holding a Dia de Muertos event at the Opera House on November 3 from noon to 4 p.m.
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of dance to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, while enjoying vibrant rhythms and captivating music in honor of this rich cultural tradition.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for the Sabor Latino dance this Saturday, September 28. For more information call 360-363-8400
Author: Kienan Briscoe
